The non-native insects of Cyprus

🐞 Invasive non-native species are one of the main drivers of global biodiversity loss. According to the most-recent review published by Demetriou et al. (2023), at least 349 non-native species of insects have been found on the island of Cyprus.

🏡 Most species (70%) have established viable populations on the island but further research is needed to confirm the presence of self-sustained populations for 25% of species. Although the way these species have reached the island is largely unknown, these are presumed to be transported as stowaways and contaminants on food and plants.

🐝 In total, 32 non-native species have been released as biological control agents against pests of potato, citrus and olive crops. However, the efficacy of these releases remains unknown for most species (71%). Further studies on the presence, efficacy and non-target effects of these species would be valuable for assessing their benefits and any impacts on native biodiversity.

⚠️ For almost half of the species (47%) no impacts have been recorded or no research has been conducted. 19 species cause negative impacts on native biodiversity whereas the socioeconomic impacts of 135 alien insects affect agricultural, horticultural, forestry and urban plants as well as stored products and infrastructure. Almost half (48%) of non-native insect species on the island feed on plants. More research on the impacts of non-native insects is needed.

📖 Find our article here: https://tinyurl.com/2fbb8422

Demetriou J, Radea C, Peyton JM, Groom Q, Roques A, Rabitsch W, Seraphides N, Arianoutsou M, Roy HE, Martinou AF (2023) The Alien to Cyprus Entomofauna (ACE) database: a review of the current status of alien insects (Arthropoda, Insecta) including an updated species checklist, discussion on impacts and recommendations for informing management. NeoBiota 83: 11-42. https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.83.96823

Publicado el 21 de marzo de 2023 por jakovosdemetriou